Free Puppy Socialization Seminars: Petco is offering a supervised 30 minute interactive seminar for pet owners and their puppies in an enclosed area, with a dog trainer. The trainer will explain how the puppies are interacting as well as what he or she is doing and why. The seminars are scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 19-20. For Petco locations, visit www.petco.com.

Oakland Dog Park Survey: Through Jan. 21, the Office of Parks and Recreation is seeking community feedback about dog play areas in Oakland parks. Visit www.engageoakland.com to take the survey and provide feedback and experiences with dogs in parks and dog play areas.

Waggin Tales Dog Reading Program: Reading to dogs is a safe and positive way for children to practice reading. This program offers kids (grades K-6) the opportunity to read to a lovable dog in a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 26. San Pablo Library, 2300 El Portal Drive. Free. 510-374-3998, www.ccclib.org/locations/sanpablo.html.

Get up close with a Tarantula: Learn about their unique secluded life, their delicate nature and their annual fall exodus. Includes a fun craft. 1-2 p.m. Jan. 26. Sunol Regional Wilderness, 1895 Geary Road, Sunol. www.ebparksonline.org, 888-327-2757.

Secret Life of the Wood Rat: Learn about these native rodents who wander the Nature Area at night in search of ripe coffee berries and the other critters who share their condominium-like nest. 2-3 p.m. Jan. 27. Tilden Nature Area, Environmental Education Center, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. www.ebparksonline.org, 888-327-2757.

Free admission day at Lindsay Wildlife Museum: Visit the Lindsay Wildlife Museum from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 2 and admission is free. Visitors can meet and learn about the resident wildlife and see museum renovations including the new "Hospital Behind the Scenes" and "Raptors" exhibit. The museum is located at 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.

Adopt a small animal: Chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits and rats from North Star Rescue, Contra Costa Rabbit Rescue and Antioch City Shelter will be available for adoption from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, through Jan. 26, at Pet Food Express, 609 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Danville. Free nail trims for small animals available too. To see currently available animals, visit www.northstarrescue.org.

Monarch Butterfly Walks: Tour Ardenwood's monarch overwintering site on an easy stroll of less than a mile. Search for clusters of butterflies hanging from eucalyptus branches and learn about their migration. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through January. Ardenwood, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 888-327-2757, www.ebparksonline.org.

V-I-Peek programs: New programs at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum offer a behind-the-scenes opportunity to see what it's like to work with their unique collection of animals. Eagle Encounter: Learn from eagle handlers what it's like to work with these birds, help prepare a meal and get premium seating for the exhibit hall presentation of Raptors! Keeper Experience: Meet resident animal ambassadors (reptile, bird and mammal) up close and personal and help animal keepers prepare meals, create enrichment activities and assist with a public presentation. Space is limited. Participants must be 10 years or older and advanced registration is required. $175 per person; $150 members. $275 per guardian/child combination; $250 members. 925-935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.

SOUTH BAY

Fishing in the City: Learn to fish clinics teach the basics of fishing to children and adolescents ages 5-15. Equipment and tackle are provided. There is no charge for the clinics but there may be a park entrance fee. Each adult may bring two children; a driver's license is required for a rod loan. For information, email erotman@dfg.ca.gov.

Dog Book Reading Club: Do you love dogs? Want to learn more about their behavior, training, learning, body language, and using positive training methods? The Humane Society Silicon Valley Dog Book Reading Club meets from 2-4 p.m. fourth Sundays monthly to discuss a different book. 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas. Free. 408-262-2133, www.hssv.org.

PENINSULA

Folger Stable Community Day Open House: For the first time in the property's 100 year history, guided trail rides, summer and spring camps for children and Western riding lessons are available for the public. Visit during the Community Day Open House and take a free tour or ride horses at a discounted price. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 19. Folger Stable at Wunderlich County Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside.

Meet the Animals: The Randall Museum is home to more than 100 animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Kids and their families are invited to meet and learn about these animals during a free presentation at 11 a.m. Saturdays, through Jan. 26. 199 Museum Way. 415-554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org.

Puppy Socials: Got a new puppy under 6 months? Bring him or her to the K9 Scrub Club for fun and socialization, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, through Jan. 29. 1734 Church St., San Francisco. Free. 415-648-2582, http://k9scrubclub.com/san-francisco-store/events/puppy-social-9.html.

Butterflies of San Francisco: Liam O'Brien, Bay Area lepidopterist, will discuss the easy ways to identify the 34 breeding species of butterfly within San Francisco, as well as plants that gardeners can grow to enhance their life cycles and restore native habitats. 7-8 p.m. Feb. 11. Sunset Branch Library, 1305 18th Ave.

Farrallones Marine Sanctuary Council meeting: The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will hold a joint meeting with Cordell Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council from 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Jan. 24, at 1370 Bodega Ave., Bodega Bay. Public comment will be taken at noon on any topic and public comment on the proposed northern expansion will also be taken at 6 p.m. http://farallones.noaa.gov/.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Guided Wetlands Tours: A wildlife naturalist will lead a group (minimum of 18 people) through the diverse wetlands of the Gray Lodge Wildlife Area. Learn wildlife identification and behavior patterns, conservations efforts and more. The experience can be customized to include requested information, along a half-mile walking route. For information and scheduling, call 530-846-7505 or email ldieter@dfg.ca.gov. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/wa/region2/graylodge/index.html.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve docent-led walks: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Binoculars and bird books available to borrow at no cost. Visitor Center and main overlook are fully accessible. Day use is $4.32 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of 10 or more should schedule a separate tour. www.dfg.ca.gov/lands/er/region4/elkhorn.html.